Bank and Post Offices

The implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under MGNREGA is core objective of the Scheme. However, the same cannot be accomplished in 100% in the State due to poor banking network coverage in the rural areas. Initiatives have been taken for opening of bank accounts by the beneficiaries under MGNREGA. Several hurdles are required to be overcome before the State can achieve 100% DBT in the State.

Poor bank coverage in rural areas is a problem within the State leading to an inability of the State Government to make payments of wages through bank/ post office accounts to the wage earners under MGNREGA. Beneficiaries have difficulties in opening accounts in Bank/ Post Office as they have to travel long distances to bank locations to collect their payment and have to spend their own money for the travelling cost at times even losing a day's wage in the event.

Some of the difficulties faced in 100% DBT under MGNREGA are listed below:

1. Bank branches are setup mostly in the urban areas which makes it difficult for the beneficiaries to open the bank accounts. The beneficiaries on average require traveling of 10-15 Km to reach to the nearest bank branch in the area.
2. Poor road connectivity communication plays a critical role in achieving 100% DBT since it approximately costs one day earning of the beneficiaries to visit the nearest bank and complete the banking formalities. Also, it is unsure if the bank services shall be rendered on the same day to the beneficiaries who are visiting the bank branches.
3. Placement of banking officials at the branches are also limited which also makes it difficult for the bank staff to attend to all customers visiting the branches.
4. Poor infrastructure such as electricity, Internet service  also affects in willingness of the beneficiaries to open the bank accounts.
5. Further Block namely Rongara C&RD where there is no presence of brick and mortar bank branches has affected the implementation of DBT. The beneficiaries have to travel around 45 Km to reach to the District Headquarter for performing banking transactions.

Initiatives taken for Financial Inclusion under MGNREGA as follows:

A special initiative on pilot basis for promotion of BDT payment in the implementation of MGNREGA was undertaken by the State Government. A Meeting cum Training Programme was held on 25^th June, 2018 with bank officials and block staff to deliberate steps for promotion of DBT. C&RD Blocks of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, RiBhoi and Selsella &Demdemma C&RD Blocks of West Garo Hills District have been identified for promotion of 100% DBT. The drive started from 27^th June, 2018 to 11^th July, 2018. Additional Programme Officers, Technical Assistants, Gram Sevaks of the identified Blocks were engaged as facilitators for opening of bank accounts.

The Commissioner  & Secretary, C&RD Department via video conference on 25^th June, 2018 has suggested the districts other than those mentioned above to replicate the initiative for promotion of 100% DBT. Subsequently, after the special drive, a workshop for promotion of 100% DBT payment under MGNREGA was held at Tura on 18^th July, 2018 whereby all Blocks under West Garo Hills District were included. The Technical Assistants act as facilitators for opening of bank account in their respective blocks.

Furthermore, meeting cum short workshop on implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under MGNREGA was also conducted at Conference Hall, Deputy Commissioner Office, West Jaintia Hills District on 4th October 2018, necessary instructions have been issued to all Block Development officers of C&RD Blocks under West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills District for exclusive conversion of payment into DBT mode  and Addl. Programme officers have been instructed.